Recalan 18 balseros

Eighteen Cuban balseros were detained by the Municipal Police (PMP) as they came ashore on the eastern coast, near the gas station and the high school, Colegio Bachilleres. It was 10:20am when a municipal police patrol was getting fuel at the gas station and they saw the Cubans landing. The balseros were taken to the police station, where they were assisted by paramedics of the Red Cross, and overseen by representatives from the Navy and the INM, National Migration Institute.

The detained men said they departed from Mayabeque, in the province of Winis, Cuba on Wednesday at 1am and had been at sea for about five days with crackers to eat and water to drink. They survived two large storms that threatened their lives and took them off course. They were in good health.

They had been heading toward Miami, but made landfall in Isla Mujeres. They said most of them had left behind families and young children in their home country, and their biggest fear is being deported. After they were processed in Isla Mujeres, according to the law, they were taken to Puerto Juarez aboard a Naval vessel and handed over to the INM. They will be transferred to the city of Chetumal to begin the process of assisted repatriation, and any of them could also be claimed by relatives they might have living in this country.

Hoy empiezan a atender pacientes

En el nuevo Hospital de Segundo Nivel

According to workers at the General Hospital, the new hospital is expected to become operational on Monday, August 31. For two weeks, workers have been moving equipment and furniture. Staff have been taking training courses in subjects including Integration of Electronic Health Records, Operating the X Ray equipment, Operation of the Dental Equipment, Management of the Electric generator and system and of the water systems, among others.

Optimistic about tourism

Expecting hotel occupancy to remain above 50% in upcoming months

Prevalece optimismo turístico

After the excellent vacations season at this tourist destination so far this year, the municipal Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco, is optimistic that Isla Mujeres won't have an off-season this year. He said throughout the first week after summer holiday season ended, hotel occupancy has remained at an average of 50 percent.
He said the months of September, October, and part of November are traditionally considered the off season, when the number of visitors decreases dramatically, but this year it is expected that this phenomenon will not occur because the island has had such excellent holiday seasons. He said that promotional work done in advance, and ongoing, will prevent the so-called low season.
He said it is a fact that with the beginning of September, the start of the decline of the arrival of tourists will be felt, and things will change for the businesses and service providers, but the decrease is not expected to be very drastic. Store employees, cart rental businesses, and nautical tour providers said that there is less demand, but they did not give a figure about how much business has decreased.

RELIGIÓN

This information has been translated, and is also in the events section. The deadline to register is Sept. 10, & the best decorated boat will win 2000 pesos and the runners up get 1500 and 1000 pesos. The first 30 boats to register will receive a fuel voucher worth 200 pesos. The procession departs Sept. 12 at 8am from the concrete pier and they will gather for the contest and boarding an hour earlier. They are taking the icon of the Virgin of Caridad del Cobre to Isla Contoy, where there will be a Mass, and usually people picnic, and the Patroness of fishermen is left in a little chapel there to protect the lobster fishermen, until the end of the season.

SEGURIDAD

Following an outbreak of fire in one of the downtown restaurants last week, the Civil Protection agency will begin conducting reviews of the facilities of the island businesses. The businesses are required to provide updated information about their infrastructure.

It is the responsibility of the municipal authorities to inspect them directly and of the office of Civil Protection to review the information, said Guillermo Morales Lopez, Civil Protection coordinator for the Northern Zone of Quintana Roo. He said each business must complete an 'isometric plan', and meet requirements to prevent accidents in the future. He said it is the responsibility of each business to review the status of their facilities and to correct any risks that might exist, such as damaged pipes or stationary propane tanks located near chimneys.

Residents of the "Agricultural Zone" of the Continental Zone, on the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, held a fair to showcase their agricultural products which included citrus fruits, nances, lemons, honey, and chilies, among other items. They offered plants for planting and ornamental plants, tanned hides, natural drinks, and other items. It is hoped that these events will grow and become a tradition.

The new hospital is equipped with 13 beds and includes areas for emergency care, hospitalization, an operating room, delivery room, recovery area, offices, 'sala de choque' (trauma room?), hyperbaric chamber, sterilization area, and diagnostic services including digital Xray equipment. There are also two machines to provide hemodialysis for people with renal failure. There are outlets for "medical air", oxygen, and special walls in the Xray area. There is ultrasound and dental equipment, as well as wiring for voice and data. There are areas for governmental offices and medical residents (or residence..I think this means a sleeping/dorm room.) It is noted that has been a crocodile photo on social networks recently that was taken at the lagoon near the hospital, and neighbors are concerned that it will "greet" the patients.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Intensifican trabajo de promoción

Para sobrellevar la temporada baja

As the low season begins, for the month of September and the first half of November, promotion of Isla Mujeres is increasing in countries such as Argentina, Japan, and the United States, said the municipal Director of Tourism, Gustavo Rodriguez Orozco. Recently his staff have been assisting workers with an Argentinean television station who visited the whale shark area and the various attractions around the island, including Punta Sur and the Mundaca Hacienda.

Next week, staff from The Discovery Channel are scheduled to arrive to film on the mainland part of the Isla Mujeres municipality, at Isla blance. They are featuring this area as one of the new attractions in Quintana Roo, offering ecotourism. He said that personnel from a Japanese television station are expected to visit in September, to record a program featuring the Posada del Mar beach, which is now called Playa Centro.

He concluded by saying that at this time, there is a Mexican television crew filming a telenovela (soap opera) in the Hotel Zone of the Continental area of Isla Mujeres, who have decided to use some new locations. Among them are the Captain Dulche Museum, at the southern part of Isla Mujeres.

(The information in the other DQR article has already been translated, regarding the property where the Perla del Caribe hotel was located, which is not invading the malecon, as was alleged, but rather the malecon invaded the private property ~a decade ago. The owner donated the section where light poles had been installed. )

Agapito and Marthy celebrate remodeling of Senior Citizen kitchen
The president of the DIF social service agency, Marthy Vargas Leon de Magana, accompanied by her husband the Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez, attended the re inauguration of the kitchen of the Senior Citizen's Club, after its remodeling. The event was held on Saturday as part of Senior Citizen's Day, and included a breakfast.
Sra. Vargas thanked Sara Cardona, the representative of the Eagle Wings Foundation, for their assistance with the remodeling, and for the painting that was done throughout the building. Recognition was given to the founders of the Senior Citizens Club.
Before breakfast, the senior citizens attended a Mass dedicated to them, and officiated by the local priest. The very pleasant event included recitations of poetry, songs, dances, and games, as well as ballet folklorico dances by the Senior Citizens, and a performance by the children of the DIF choir.

Seguridad

On Thursday, there was a meeting between the coordinator for Civil Protection in the Northern Zone, Guillermo Morales Lopez, and the Naval Admiral who is commander of the Fifth Naval Region to arrange an agreement for training and certification of the lifeguards who work for Civil Protection.

This project was proposed in March, and it was hoped that it would be implemented before the summer season, but that proved to be impossible. The coordinator said they expect that the staff will have Naval certification and training by the upcoming vacation period. He said the lifeguards of Civil Protection have skills and protocols, and receive training courses, but this certification will provide improved training.

JURÍDICO

Members of the "Nueva Tierra" Association, who consist of more than 200 islanders, were advised at a meeting held yesterday at the Community Center, that the deadline to settle outstanding debts has been extended by one month. These fees are associated with obtaining deeds for two properties, while working with CORETT, the Commission for the Regularization of Land Tenure. The balance of the debt exceeds 100,000 pesos, and those who do not pay their portion within 30 days could be lift out of the deeding process, and later it could become more expensive.

The group will meet again late next month to officially notify the debtors and to make them aware that they could be left out of the titling process. The president of the Association, Baltazar Gomez Catzin explained they have been working with CORETT to meet the requirements and to acquire titles for this project, which includes two lots for each member.

With this goal, they cleared the areas for roads and accesses to the lots, but have not yet begun the construction of some palapas, which are requirements for CORETT to begin the process of issuing deeds. (These properties are located on the mainland part of the municipality of Isla Mujeres, called the Continental Zone).

INFRAESTRUCTURA

At the recent meeting of the Technical Advisory Council of the Isla Contoy National Park, a proposal was made to address the issue of the capacity of the bathrooms being exceeded by the number of passengers who arrive daily, which has 'always' been a problem.

It was proposed that a bathroom boat be provided which would be outfitted exclusively to provide toilet facilities. It could be equipped with latrines and every so often it would travel to unload the waste.

It was noted that other ecological destinations in the world use portable toilets, which is a proposal that could also be considered.

There are holes in the downtown basketball court "Jose del Carmen Pastrana", which was remodeled a year ago with federal funds of over half a million pesos (~530,000). This work included resurfacing the court and replacing the concrete grandstands with aluminum. There was criticism at the time about the way the work was being done in relation to the oxidation of the rods that were preexisting within the structure under the surface. Athletes want municipal officials to have the construction company repair this work, because this is required by the rules of the state and local leagues which regulate their games.

The massive arrival of seaweed a few days ago at a section of North Beach had not reoccurred, and nearly a ton of saragossa was removed by municipal workers. It did not arrive at Media Luna beach, although it landed at the Casa de Piedras the week before and was removed, and did not return. An 'arm' of saragossa passed thru last week and one section drifted into the channel that divides North Beach from the islet of El Yonque, where the first hotel was built in 1964 as Zazil Ha, now Mia. The beach cleaning staff removed it. Every year some small quantities of seaweed land at the area of the House of the Rocks, and the Federal Zone concession holders nearby clean it up and place it between wooden collectors, where it decomposes to become sand again. (Regarding this ton of seaweed that was removed, the previous article said it was buried on site.)
According to the seamen, due to the north south orientation of the island, the sea currents generally prevent this type of marine debris from coming close to the beaches, although some trash comes ashore such as plastic containers, sandals, boat lías, timbers, etc.
It is observed that although the beaches are clean, there are fewer visitors this weekend, since the summer holiday season ended last week.

Some residents want municipal officials to monitor building along the edges of the eastern malecon, because they say there are several individuals invading the public space along this kilometer with construction from their homes. Young Nicolas Gomez, son of a businessman who has a newly established residence on the island, said, "The abuse of power and negligence that we have suffered under the previous mayors cannot be allowed to continue." He alleged that, "Far from defending the public patrimony, they have engaged in plunder, as in the case of Paulino Adame Torres". He asked that the current Mayor, Agapito Magana, take action to regain these public spaces, such as the malecon. He said they have been complaining about this house near the CFE (Federal Electric Commission) invading the sidewalk and the malecon, but there has been no action. He alleges that this makes it appear as tho officials are in agreement or are complicit in these irregularities.
There are also residents who are concerned about crime because they say there is inadequate lighting along the southern part of the malecon after corrosion and environmental factors caused the lights there to fall or stop working.

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider
opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table
& chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole,
and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free
amenities such as
hammocks,
bikes, outdoor shower,
portable beach
chairs &
beach towels,
washer, loungers & BBQ.
Breathtaking
panoramic views from the
rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available.Downtown
is ~ a mile away; if
you don't feel like
walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop
on the bus. We also have
room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then
come home our
quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Fine
dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the
traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll
five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe,
Bahama Mama, Brisas, or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at
Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco.
Visit marinas, bars, & beach
clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the
Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa
Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks
away in the village, as well as a
variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Wednesday, August 5 8pm Circus BamBam (near Boxito, east
of Chedraui). Tickets 50 pesos. Performance for the benefit of Medical
and Therapy needs for kids with Down syndrome, coordinated by Corozon
del Willito. Raffle for two sets of tix to swim with Dolphins for 2
people at Dolphin Discovery.

Friday, August 7, Junk collections in Salina Chica, Electricistas, and at Colegio de Bachilleres.

The Perseid meteor shower will peak on August 11 and be most visible on August 14 when the moon is new

Aug 10-14 Catholic festival for the Assumption of Mary. .Link to translation of schedule.

State campaign for the collection of broken electronics and appliances
July 29 to August 28 at the Hacienda Mundaca tourist building at the
Ecology Department, 9-4, Paseo de las Aves, colonia La Gloria

Saturday, August 15
12:00 Casa de Cultura Signing of Sister Cities agreement between Mission Tx & Isla Mujeres
5:30pm Procession from Sangrado Corazon (Sacred Heart) Church in La
Gloria to the Immaculate Conception Church on the Town Square

~7 or7:30 Mass on Town Square for consecration, with candles officiated by Mons. Fabio Martinez Castilla
8pm Religious Procession through the downtown streets, returning to the Town Square where there will be Fireworks
10pm Regional Dance
Sunday, August 16 Town Square
7pm Performance of "Añoranza for Isla Mujeres" (Yearning for Isla Mujeres)
by the Quintana Roo Folklorico Ballet Group
State Musical Group

Monday, August 17
9:30am Departing from the API pier: Wreath placement event at the Cross in the Bay
6:30pm Town Square Special Session of the Town Council
9 pm Performance by the musical group "Marconi"

Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m. a vegetarian dinner to benefit the animals of the street. The money raised will be used to by food for stray cats and dogs will be at the restaurant da Luisa at Casa Ixchel Hotel. 150 pesos, beverages are separate. (a mixed vegetarian entree and a vegetarian
pasta, accompanied by bread). Buy your ticket at: Gelateria Italiana FraSe on Madero avenue or at Hotel Casa Ixchel.

August 24, Monday: School resumes (Teachers return the week before)Tickets available for free theater event Saturday at the Casa de Cultura (see below)

Tuesday Aug. 25 8p Town Square Naval Mariachis

Thursday, Aug. 27 7:30pm, dome
on the Bachilleres campus, photographic exhibition of
the 25 years since the birth of this institution in the municipality

MVC B&B Sponsors This Blog

Click on the graphic to visit our website

...

MVC Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Visits Since June 2011

Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.

Call or WhatsApp (01) 998 937 8014

Click here for link to menus from most of your favorite restaurants & more information.

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Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Noska from Austin wrote....Maravilla is one of the coolest little spots on the isla.The hosts are awesome,location perfect,rooms are clean and affordable

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Music:

Fayne's has late night live music, starts ~10p

El Patio House of Music on Hidlago has live music evenings, usually HH show 5p, continues at 7p.